surgeon general

American  

noun

plural

surgeons general

1. the chief of medical services in one of the armed forces.

2. (initial capital letters) the head of the U.S. Bureau of Public Health or, in some states, of a state health agency.

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surgeon general British  

noun

1. (in the British, US, and certain other armies and navies) the senior officer of the medical service

2. the head of the public health service in the US

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Etymology

Origin of surgeon general

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Surgeon general: Newsom appointed Dr. Diana Ramos, who currently works at the state public health department, as California’s surgeon general.

From New York Times • Aug. 26, 2022

Surgeon general advisories are statements that call the public’s attention to health challenges that need immediate attention.

From Washington Times • May 23, 2022

Surgeon general says loneliness was a common concern he heard from people of all ages.

From Washington Post • Dec. 3, 2021

Surgeon general: US to 'monitor' whether vaccine exemptions being used properly U.S.

From Fox News • Sep. 13, 2021